Thinking of Waves

Thinking of Waves Shawl by yellowcosmo

What Is Being Made

Thinking of Waves is an advanced knitted shawl designed by Connie Peng of yellowcosmo designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a crescent-shaped wrap measuring 72 inches wide by 15 inches tall (183 cm x 85 cm), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Construction Method

The shawl is knitted from the top edge downward using a sophisticated construction technique. The designer employs short rows to form half-circular shaped sections, creating the distinctive wave-like silhouette. This top-down approach allows knitters to try on the piece as it develops and customize the final length if desired.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This advanced pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the fabric base
• Yarn overs (yo) create decorative lace elements and increase stitches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) provides a left-leaning decrease
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) and purl 2 together through back loop (p2togtbl) for additional shaping options
• Short rows create the half-circular sections that define the wave pattern

Yarn and Materials

The pattern requires fingering weight yarn, totaling approximately 600 yards. Two color options are provided:

• Single Color Option: 575 yards of one color, with 435 yards for the main sections and 20-40 yards used for each of sections A, C, D, E, and the last 5 rows of section H before bind off
• Two Color Option: 440 yards of main color (MC) plus 120 yards of contrasting color (CC) for sections E and H, with an additional 25 yards of CC for the final 5 rows of section H before bind off

Needles and Gauge

Knitters will need US #4 (3.0 mm) needles for the main knitting, with US #6 (4.5 mm) needles reserved for the bind off only. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches by 4 inches, which is typical for fingering weight yarn at a slightly loose tension.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced pattern, Thinking of Waves is best suited for experienced knitters comfortable with short-row shaping, multiple decrease techniques, and reading complex stitch patterns. The combination of lace elements and shaping requires attention to detail and solid foundational skills.